I really do try to not check out the Chic Wish website. I seriously need to save some of my pay check for the future. What can I say, I’m an addict! I just LOVE their clothes. Their fabrics, cuts and unique pieces are just…me.

Dress: Chic WishBelt: GapBag: Kate SpadeBoots: Nine West

Today’s dress from Chic Wish took quite a while to make it to me from across the sea. I was very eager for it to arrive and I wasn’t disappointed!

I love to buy pieces that are unique and this dress definitely fits into that category. Notice the beautiful and quaint English countryside scene on the skirt? The extra detailing at the nape of the neck? The dress is made of a beautiful (and warm) brocade fabric which is nice during this time of year.

Today I paired it with boots by Nine West, my beautiful tobacco brown Kate Spade bag and a woven leather belt by Gap.

Fit: Chic Wish runs small. I typically wear a small in the US and needed a large in this dress. I find their clothes run one size smaller in the waist however, if you’re busty or have curves you might want to order two sizes up.

Fabric: Beautiful print and brocade but very rigid. The fabric does not stretch at all so as I said before, you will need to order up if you’re in doubt of your size.

Length: Perfect! I am 5’ 6” and I thought the length was spot on. I loved the flare of the skirt.

Price Point: What I REALLY love about Chic Wish is their affordability! This dress is on sale for $49.90. You can’t beat it!

Overall impression: Totally love it! I had several people – including men which was a little odd – ask where I bought the dress. I do think that even the men, really wanted to know! Some of my friends were disappointed that this was the largest size in this dress. I also ordered another Chic Wish dress and can’t wait to receive it!

Staying warm in this frigid winter weather can be difficult. Especially when one is taking outfit pictures outside in the elements! Today’s post is short and sweet and I must admit that I was trying really hard not to grimace while taking these shots.

One thing I’ve realized is that scuba material (neoprene) is quite warm, especially if its thick. Today’s post features one of my favorite ASOS purchases – a bright pink neoprene skirt. Similar here!

When paired with fleece lined tights, the wind was somewhat bearable as I posed. I also layered a turtleneck under my tweed jacket.

My biggest secret for keeping warm is layering.

WHAT you are layering makes a HUGE difference though. I’ve been layering my athletic workout wear – think dark fitted tops and leggings – under my everyday outfits – even jeans! These types of fabrics were designed to hold in heat and provide an extra layer of protection against the cold. They are also totally unnoticeable!

Under this fab jacket, I have on a Qualifier Turtleneck by Under Armour. It looks great and keeps me warmer without the bulk!

Well…the crisis continues. Only now, it has a name. Culottes. As in wide legged – above the ankle – possibly high waisted trousers. I make that distinction because I think the French use the term “culottes” to refer to panties and this isn’t a lingerie post.

Let me also state there is a bit of culotte snobbery on the internet and many people argue about the categorizing of culottes, palazzo pants and gauchos. Personally, I think it’s much ado about nothing. I choose to call these culottes. Maybe I just want to sound fancy and French. Whatever the reason, I think if you reference these types of pants by any of those names, people will get the concept. Now that we’ve cleared that up, back to my obsession.

As stated in my prior post, I’m having a little bit of a fashion shift – from a classic, girly palette to one that is edgier, bolder and more androgynous. Just in case this is just a phase, I’m trying to find a happy medium between the two styles. While searching through my closet and wading thru midi-skirt, after midi-skirt I stumbled upon this pair of culottes. My world opened up! I love the cut of culottes. They’re good girl edgy. The quirky sibling of slacks…pants masquerading as a skirt!

You must ensure your proportions are correct – typically light on top and heavier on bottom (think a tank top and culottes forming a triangle type silhouette) or boxier on top and wide on bottom (think two squares on top of each other).

You must ensure the pants hit you at the right point on your leg or you’ll lose your height and look disproportionate. Think – just wearing pants that are too short for you and cut poorly.

I prefer heels with my culottes. I actually prefer heels with everything but they especially work well with shorter lengths. Your legs look longer, your ankles smaller and the look is more polished and refined.

I’m now looking for the perfect pair of taffeta (one of my favorite fabrics) culottes in a bright and bold color.

Similar to these below:

Fabulous Victoria Beckham was recently spotted in a fetching pair of culottes a couple of days ago. Notice the proportion of the blouse/scarf to the pants and the heels? Spot on!

I didn’t post last week and it’s due to my inability to ground myself – fashion-wise. I’m all over the place!

Pinks and polyester-silk blends one day and understated black dresses with large hoop earrings the next.

I’ve been wearing a lot of stripes lately too. Does that mean I want to change my own, figuratively speaking?

Blame it on the weather or the season. Or the simple fact that I can wear fleece lined black tights every day and be very, very happy (and warm).

I do think it’s more than just the weather or the need for warmth. I’ve been feeling the need to reinvent myself and to adopt a new look.

I do like to dress on trend and find myself caught up in the whirlwind of ever-changing fashion “what’s hot now” fads.

While I’m not giving that up, I’m thinking about evolving from a world of bows, pinks, polka dots and midi-skirts to one filled with bold colors and sleek lines. I’m thinking of cutting my hair. Images of a chic, Vidal Sassoon-esque (circa 1960) bob flash before my eyes. No more buns or pony tails. Gone are the days of the good girl. Hello modern art maven!

I might take it a step further and lean towards a more gender neutral look. Tailored black suits with Italian made loafers and just the right bold bag. Ok…maybe some ruffles.

Who knows where I’ll land. I do still love my polka dots, midi-skirts and cardigans. Perhaps, until I figure out just who I’m becoming, I’ll just take it day by day. For now…stripes are the answer.